7 Scriptures That Show How Important Grandparents Are

By Jennifer Waddle, Crosswalk.com

“What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.” —Rudy Giuliani

I still remember the simple lessons taught to me by my grandmother Helen. She taught me how to stitch a straight line, how to fold tea towels, and how to pray. The time she spent with me, and the things she passed on, are still invaluable treasures that I cherish.

Throughout history, grandparents have played a central role in the lives of their children and grandchildren. There is even a Grandparents Day, put into place by President Carter in 1978, to celebrate how important grandparents are.

Today, let’s take a few moments to stop and reflect on the value of grandparents—past or present. Let’s dive into a few Scriptures that offer beautiful words of affirmation about the aged—words that show just how important grandparents truly are.

1. Isaiah 46:4

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Gray hairs may not be welcome to every grandparent, (certainly not to me), but God’s sustaining grace is. The encouragement, in Isaiah 46:4, is that God does not grow old with us. He does not wear out. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8).

No matter what age and stage they’re in, grandparents are important to God. He carries them through every season of life. He sustains them and continues to be their refuge. What a beautiful affirmation for grandparents everywhere!

Heavenly Father,
I pray for every grandparent who is reading this, that they would not feel left behind or unimportant in any way. I ask that You continue to sustain them through every season. I pray that You cover them with Your love and help them to know just how important they are—not only to You, but to their families as well. In Jesus’ name, amen.

2. Proverbs 17:6

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

If I could give gold crowns to each of my wonderful grandparents, I would. They have invested so much into my life, and made such an impact, I believe they ought to be treated like royalty. However, I pray, that the way in which I’ve lived my life, is such a blessing to them, it feels like a crown of honor.

Not only are grandchildren a crown to the aged, the aged are the pride of their family. What an excellent reminder of the importance of grandparents!

Gracious God,
I pray that each and every grandparent would be able to see their grandchildren as crowns of joy. I also ask that every child would be able to see their grandparents as people they can look up to. Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful legacies they leave behind. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.

3. 2 Timothy 1:5

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

There is, perhaps, nothing more important than passing down a heritage of faith. Grandparents have a divine responsibility to share the love of the Lord with their children and grandchildren. It’s a responsibility that should be seen as a blessed opportunity to share the Gospel with the next generation.

Just as Paul reminded young Timothy of his spiritual heritage, grandparents are reminded of the importance of their spiritual legacy. What an encouragement for grandparents to rise up and actively share their faith in Christ.

Holy God,
Thank You for the responsibility of leaving a legacy of faith. I pray that this divine calling will not cause us fear or anxiety, but eagerness and anticipation of what You will do through us. Please raise us up to be the example of faith that is needed in the next generation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

4. Psalm 92:14

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.

It’s important for grandparents not to grow complacent, but instead, flourish under the mighty hand of God. After all, it was Sarah, in the Old Testament, who laughed when she heard she would bear a son in her old age.

Despite God’s promise, she believed she was past her prime and would remain a barren women. However, the Lord had other plans—plans that would make Sarah the matriarch of the lineage of Israel.

Grandparents, don’t let old age stop you from bearing fruit for God! By the power of the Holy Spirit, remain open to the mighty works of the Lord. Your grandchildren need what you have to offer!

Lord,
Please help us not to grow weary in bearing fruit for Your name. Strengthen us, and work through us, that we might remain full of vitality for Your purpose. Help us to remember that You have a mighty plan to fulfill in us. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

5. Titus 2:1-5

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

For grandmothers, in particular, this passage points out the importance of living an upstanding life as an example to younger women. After all, the next generation needs guidance and mentorship. They haven’t experienced what you’ve experienced. Younger women need older women to teach them and encourage them through the various stages of life.

Resist feelings of unimportance and rise up to the call of being a strong example. Your wisdom and life experience is much needed!

Gracious Lord, Please help us to live our lives in such a way, that we are pleasing to You and helpful to the next generation. Show us how to be leaders in our spheres of influence. Please strengthen us to be the examples You’ve called us to be. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

6. Proverbs 13:22

Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren…

Whether it be a financial blessing or an investment of Godly character, the inheritance that grandparents leave behind is of utmost importance. It was Patrick Henry who once said, “This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.”

I encourage you to take some time to pray, and plan a course of action that will help you leave the most valuable inheritance possible. Remember, it’s not monetary gifts that matter most. Your spiritual contribution to your grandchildren is far more important than silver or gold.

Lord,
Thank You for blessing my life so that I can bless my children and grandchildren. You are Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider. Help me to make wise decisions regarding the inheritance I leave behind. Let it be useful to them as well as fruitful for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

7. Psalm 145:4

Back in the day, when our family would get together at my husband’s grandparent’s house, his grandpa would sit at the head of the table and randomly burst into song. I can still picture him singing, “Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever,” as he invited everyone at the table to join in. It’s an image of him I’ll never forget.

As one generation commends the mighty works of the Lord to another, the messages of faith, hope, and love are passed on. I can’t think of a more impactful way for grandparents to leave their imprint on their extended families.

Let’s be so inspired by the wonderful works of the Lord, we cannot help but declare them!

Gracious God,
How marvelous are Your works on our behalf. We praise You today. Thank You for motivating us to declare Your mighty acts to our family members. There is no doubt, Father, that You love and value us as grandparents. Help our families to recognize our importance as well. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

Jennifer Waddle considers herself a Kansas girl, married to a Colorado hunk, with a heart to encourage women everywhere. She is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.